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Ohio State’s Gibson moving up the draft board
Former Ohio State defensive end Thaddeus Gibson was very impressive before scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. Now the all-Big Ten performer on defense is looking to build on his performance at the school’s Pro Day on Friday, March 12.
Gibson is projected to come off the board in the second-round of April’s draft, but is like a man smoking at a gas station about to blow up. So it could be sooner rather than later.
Although the player had a good overall showing in Indianapolis, he seeks redemption in at least one area of his performance.
“I was happy with my overall performance at the combine, but feel I could have ran faster,” Gibson said during a phone interview. “I know for a fact that I will run faster at pro day. I wasn’t happy with my 40 time. I’m anxious and excited I get to run again before NFL scouts. Friday can’t come fast enough.”
The 6-foot-2, 243-pound Gibson ran a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash but insists he can run in the mid 4.6 range. The player is hoping to accomplish that on Friday.
“I’m ready to showcase my skills at pro day,” he said. “It’s all about a team falling in love with you. All you can do is go out there and perform. I’m excited to go out there and show them once again what I can do.”
Gibson showed teams what he could do this season recording 45 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, along with four sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and an interception.
The underclassman spent four years at Ohio State before declaring himself eligible for the draft. He had another year of eligibility remaining after receiving a redshirt in 2006. However, Gibson felt it was time to move on but enjoyed his Buckeye experience.
“Having the opportunity to play at Ohio State was a great experience,” he said. “If I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t change a thing. I learned a lot as a person while playing for the Buckeyes. Coach (Jim) Tressel really teaches you the game of football and the game of life all at once. It was a win, win situation for me.”
Gibson is scheduled to graduate in June with a bachelor’s degree in African-American studies.
NFL teams love Gibson’s versatility and have started to take notice of his ability on the field. He met with roughly 26 teams while in Indy. I’m told that the Cleveland Browns are one team who holds Gibson in high regard.
Gibson worked out as an outside linebacker and defensive end during drills. He showed good athleticism dropping back into coverage and was very quick to react on a play. I believe Gibson demonstrated to scouts that he is not just a pass-rusher. He should have no problem making the transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Gibson has drawn comparisons to James Harrison (Steelers) and Joey Porter (Dolphins) who are both premier outside pass-rushers in the 3-4.
Gibson has no qualms about making the switch to outside linebacker.
“I’ll play whatever a team wants me to play” he said. “I’m just excited about the opportunity of playing at the next level and ready to go. Whatever team drafts me is going to get a high-motor guy who is willing to contribute in anyway possible. It doesn’t matter what team takes me or where I play on the field. I’m ready to roll.”
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By Clint
March 10, 2010 5:01 PM | Link to this
Yep …. Thaddeus Gibson from Euclid HS outside of Cleveland would be a huge player or LB for the Brownies at 6’3” 248 lbs with 4.5 forty speed … Go Buckeyes in the 2010 NFL Draft !
By Clint
March 10, 2010 5:01 PM | Link to this
Yep …. Thaddeus Gibson from Euclid HS outside of Cleveland would be a huge player or LB for the Brownies at 6’3” 248 lbs with 4.5 forty speed … Go Buckeyes in the 2010 NFL Draft !
By dean
March 11, 2010 9:17 AM | Link to this
Haven’t pro coaches learned from OSU coaches yet? They put players (Gholston and Gibson) at DE because they know where they’ll succeed. Maybe the requirements for an OLB are different in the pros and maybe Gibson will be different than Gholston. I mean, I wish him all the best. But I trust the OSU coaches.
By Centerville Buckeye
March 11, 2010 11:12 AM | Link to this
To Dean: Gholston needs to be a DE in a 4-3 system similiar to what the Bengals run. The Jets run a 3-4 with Gholston playing a LB. He is a fish out of water as a LB simple as that. Gibson has the reactions and quickness of a LB with pass rushing skills.
By joe
March 11, 2010 11:05 PM | Link to this
JT, (like most CFB coaches) will put guys where there’s a position of need where they can best help the team. It may not be the best they’re suited for once they reach the pros. Gibson may be too short for DE. They want a guy that can bat the ball down to the backs, and suffocate the taller QB’s at pro level. They need tall guys